Tagged News

• Mexican fruit fly prompts quarantine in Cameron County Play Video

  January 20, 2020 6:00 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Dozens of square miles in Cameron County are under quarantine because of Mexican fruit flies. The pest known as the Mexican fruit fly invades more than 40 types of fruits and nuts. A recent test confirmed they are in the Rio Grande Valley once again. Under... more »

• UTRGV Receive Federal Grants to Expand Economic Development Research Play Video

  December 2, 2019 8:17 PM

  MISSION – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley received nearly $400,000 in federal funds to be used to expand research in economic development. On Monday, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Congressman Vincente Gonzalez met in Mission to announce the two grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural... more »

• USDA Grants $150M to Help Valley Farmers Impacted by Flooding Play Video

  September 16, 2019 5:36 PM

  MERCEDES – From too dry to too wet. Rio Grande Valley farmers and growers are saying too much rain can be a bad thing. Many local farmers are still recovering from losses due to flooding in June 2018 and June of this year. Right now, the Department of... more »

• More Bugs Being Used to Control Invasive Plant Along Border Play Video

  May 8, 2019 6:05 PM

  WESLACO – Border Patrol is following a plan begun by U.S. Department of Agriculture to control an invasive plant growing along the river. The carrizo cane arrived to the Rio Grande from Spain; researchers believe it came with colonists. The plant grows very fast and tall, making it... more »

• New Rules to Protect Cattle from Harmful Chemicals Play Video

  May 7, 2019 10:47 PM

  WESLACO – New rules are on the way to protect Texas cattle against harmful chemicals. The chemicals are designed to wipe out cattle fever ticks, which can be deadly to livestock. The AG commissioner in Texas says the U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed to ventilate spray boxes used... more »

• 3,300 Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Products Recalled due to Listeria Concerns

  April 9, 2019 9:39 PM

  WESLACO – More than 3,300 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry wrap and salad products have been recalled due to possible listeria. Great American Marketing, Inc., a Houston-based company, shipped these products to various retail locations in Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service... more »

• Boston Market Recalls Thousands of Frozen Meals Play Video

  February 26, 2019 12:58 PM

  WESLACO – Boston Market is recalling thousands of frozen meals. The recall affects the boneless pork rib patties. They may be contaminated with glass or hard plastic. U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say there have not been any reports of illness. Consumers are urged to throw... more »

• Local Company Recalling Nearly 50 Tons of Chicken Products Play Video

  February 11, 2019 12:05 PM

  HARLINGEN – A local company is recalling nearly 50 tons of chicken products due to misbranding. The products did not have labels which indicated that the items contain an allergen: eggs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the recall involves VICS Acquisition of Harlingen. The products affected... more »

• New USDA Program to Combat Cattle Diseases Play Video

  February 5, 2019 5:35 PM

  WESLACO – Cameron County ranchers are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to test out a new spray protection program. The program is aimed at killing “cattle fever ticks” and the deadly disease they’re known to carry and pass along livestock. A total of 150 field... more »

• Farm Service Agency Open for 1 Day amid Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 22, 2019 12:16 PM

  EDINBURG – The Farm Service Agency will be open Tuesday despite the partial government shutdown. The office is located at 2514 South Veterans Boulevard in Edinburg. It will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says certain services will be provided,... more »

• Hidalgo Co. Rancher Reacts to USDA Branding Regulations Play Video

  December 18, 2018 4:00 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping in to help ranchers better protect their cattle. Hidalgo County rancher Mike Risica is in the business of bringing in Mexican cattle. He says he welcomes any help to protect his herd as imported cattle can bring potentially deadly... more »

• USDA Launches Program to Aid Farmers Affected by Trade War with China Play Video

  August 28, 2018 3:24 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting a new program to help growers who may be affected by a trade war with China. The Market Facilitation Program, or MFP, will provide payments to corn, cotton, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean and wheat producers who were affected. The amount of... more »

• Piden a Agricultores Llenar Forma de Censo USDA

  January 31, 2018 8:11 PM

  WESLACO – El Departamento de agricultura de los Estados Unidos está pidiendo a los agricultores enviar su formulario de información del censo el lunes 5 de febrero. Cualquier miembro de la comunidad agrícola que haya hecho más de Mil dólares en ganancias se le pide llenar el cuestionario sobre su... more »

• Farmers Asked to Fill Out USDA Census Form

  January 31, 2018 5:29 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking farmers to send in their census of agriculture information form due on Monday, Feb. 5. Any member of the agricultural community who made more than $1,000 in profits is asked to fill out the questionnaire about their business. Brad Cowan with... more »

• USDA Regulations Toughens Harvests in Citrus Groves under Quarantine Zones Play Video

  January 17, 2017 10:18 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Rio Grande Valley grower said he’s struggling to turn a profit after his grove was placed in a Mexican fruit fly quarantine zone. USDA lifted all fruit fly quarantine zones in Hidalgo County last year. However, several areas in Cameron and Willacy County have expanded. Citrus grower... more »